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Hotel demand across the majority of Middle East and North Africa markets is expected to achieve parity with 2019 levels of performance in 2022, according to new research.
When it comes to the Christmas decorations none works harder than the mighty bauble! Especially as Christmas baubles display ideas become more popular, for filling the rest of the home with colour and cheer – baubles are no longer just for the tree!
Each year we witness new creative ways to display this simple yet stylish festive decoration to full potential. Whether choosing expensive heirlooms to cherish for Christmas’ to come or affordable acrylic designs to load up to offer a splash of colour, there’s a bauble display idea to suit.
Christmas bauble display ideas
Take inspiration from our imaginative bauble display ideas to add a stylish touch to any room; from over-mantel masterpieces to alternative Christmas tree ideas.
Here’s how to put a creative spin on this classic Christmas decoration…
1. Create bauble wall art displays
Image credit: Dobbies
It’s was THE trend of Christmas 2020, where we saw ingenious Christmas displays made up with walls of Christmas baubles. But attaching hundreds of round decorations to walls is no easy task…unless you use a wire frame, like the clever team at Dobbies Garden Centres with its collection of festive baubles.
Get creative with a wire screen to fix a fabulous arrangement of foliage and decorative baubles to create the most captivating display of the season. Secure the faux stems and the ornaments to the mesh framework using a fine floristry wire, to ensure every item is secure but that the wire is not seen.
This is my own Christmas living room decor, so I can safely say this idea is an easy but impactful one on the feel of any room.Each year I give my statement living room chandelier a little festive makeover, with the simple addition of mini disco ball-style baubles.
The assortment of pink decorations are staggered in height using various shades of pink ribbon. the baubles catch the light beautifully at night when the light is on – creating a heavenly disco vibe! I double bow the ribbon to ensure they stay put, but also to point out – the baubles are shatterproof and almost weightless, to avoid weighing on the delicate light fitting.
3. Suspend a bauble wreath over a dining table
Image credit: John Lewis & Partners
Floral arrangements suspended (safely) over dining tables is a hugely popular styling trend of recent years, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Try this idea to jazz up a floral arrangement hung over a dining table.
Using a decorative ribbon or twine staggered a collection of baubles from the structure of the wreath or tress branch – ensuring all are firm and secure, to avoid your decorative display falling onto the table below.
Cascade the baubles down at different heights to add interest and depth to this magical display. Go one step further with a set of fairy light threaded around the wreath hoop, to add a soft illumination to the display.
4. Decorate a ladder Christmas tree with baubles galore
Image credit: Homesense
It’s shaped like a tree and has baubles hanging, which is enough for us to love this artistic creation. It would involve buying A LOT of baubles, but you can get hold of so many inexpensive sets now nowadays, so don’t let that deter you from recreating this fun alternative Christmas tree idea.
Use a clear wire to hang the baubles to create a sense of them floating within the frame. Adopt this idea to add a sense of fun to a family living room or a hallway to welcome guests with a statement display.
5. Decorate the chair backs with baubles
Image credit: John Lewis & Partners
Pull out all the stops for your guests by decorating their chairs especially for the occasion. A selection of elegant, colourful baubles tied to the back of each chair can go a long way to making even the everyday kitchen dining chairs feel fabulously festive. We’d recommend using shatterproof bauble designs to avoid unnecessary breakages, because while you want the seating to look – it still has to prove practical.
6. Curate a display using cake stands and candles
Image credit: Dominic Blackmore
Fashioning an impressive centrepiece needed cost the earth. Repurpose your cake stands, stacking them on top of one another to add height and drama to the table. Simply use baubles on each level to add a decorative touch, with the option to enhance the look by adding in elements of dried fruit and sprigs of foliage.
7. Set the scene with a bauble centrepiece
Image credit: Future PLC
Fill a cloches, bowl or even a terrarium with decorative baubles to make an easy but effective Christmas table centrepiece idea. Using a glass structure allows the baubles to be seen, to add a splash of colour and glitz to the table top.
8. Make a big impact with mini baubles
Image credit: Future PLC/ Jo Henderson
You can go small but still make a huge impact to the decorating scheme. Use a sideboard or console table to create a sophisticated twig display, adorned with delicate small baubles – just enough to add a hint of festivities without being OTT. Pair with a simple candle votive with sprigs of seasonal foliage, for a soft approach to sophisticated Christmas decorating.
9. Display a bowl full of baubles
Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole
Pop baubles in a glass bowl to make an attractive coffee table or kitchen centrepiece. Compliment the colours of the baubles to the decor, adding the same tone. This simple display is enough to set the scene for the season, without having to deck the halls. Ideal for those wanting to keep decorating to a minimal.
10. Fashion an artistic twig bauble display
Image credit: Future PLC/ Max Attenborough
Who says baubles are only for Christmas trees? Branch out, quite literally, this year with an artistic twig display to add colour and festive decoration to a plain wall in the living or dining room. Choose to coordinate with your tree scheme or use a different accent colour to embrace more than one seasonal trend.
It works best above a sideboard or shelf, allowing the surface to house the vase containing the twigs – alongside additional paper decorations and foliage. Alternatively you could suspend the twig from an existing picture hook, using twine or a clear thread. The branch display would replace what was usually hanging in the space – a clear sign of a seasonal refresh.
11. Go bold with a bright bauble star
Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles
Make a bold statement by placing a star on display, one made entirely from brightly coloured baubles. Ideal for placing anywhere you wish to make a focal point, such as on the mantelpiece. Ensure the star is securely propped up, to avoid it falling off and taking everything in its path with it as it falls. Coordinate tinsel to dress the surrounding space to add extra wow factor. If you’re feeling brave enough with a glue gun you could even have a go at making this yourself, simple glue the plastic baubles to a wire frame or polystyrene base.
Fill the top level of a cake stand with a dessert for your party guests, but rather than taking out more food than needed, use the extra levels to act as bauble displays. Pile up pretty baubles, battery-powered fairy lights or sprigs of holly and you’re good to go!
13. Put on a bauble array
Image credit: Future PLC/ Sussie Bell
Make the table a toast to the versatility of baubles. Fill glass vases and dishes with baubles and line every free table space with a string of these gems to set the scene for festivities. Create a truly show-stopping spread by mixing the bauble displays with fake snow and festive foliage.
14. Make a feature of a fireplace
Image credit: Future PLC/ Emma Lee
If you aren’t using your fireplace this winter but have a large cavern to fill, then place a log basket brimming with beautiful baubles. To prevent wasting their beauty, fill the basket first with blankets or something of the sort – then simply fill the visible area with baubles. Place the basket in the space before stringing stockings from it and sprinkling with strands of foliage.
15. Create an alternative nativity
Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Raeside
Be super stylish and give your traditional nativity scene a glamorous spin this year. Upcycle a child’s playhouse with baubles and festive fairy lights for a fun festive display.
Replace figurines with giant baubles in Christmas colours, completing your scene with metallic trees.
16. Set the table with a dapper display
Image credit: Future PLC/ Jonathan Gregson
Add some bauble tradition to your dining table this year by adding a small display to each place setting. Match a bauble to the colour of your plates and napkins to create a smart place setting for your festive feast for a thoughtful Christmas table decoration idea.
17. Tier baubles on a chandelier
Image credit: Future PLC/ Chris Everard
Baubles need not only hang from your tree, but can also hang throughout the house. Strung from a simple light the cascading balls will form a festive halo decoration. Hang from coloured ribbons to add jolly accent colours to the look. In this idea the baubles appear to seamlessly blend in, rather than stand out too much – thanks to the matching muted colour palette.
18. Enhance natural beauty with tonal baubles
Image credit: Future PLC/ Max Attenborough
Sometimes less is more. Use baubles in muted tones to enhance the existing decor. Elegant frosted glass and metallic browns singularly placed on a sideboard or mantelpiece can add just enough of a nod to festive cheer. Adding a seasonal element to a dried flower arrangement, that is already on display to lift the decor.
19. Jazz up a stairway for bauble heaven
Image credit: Future PLC
Cover your barren staircase with clusters of tree decorations and balls hanging from thick strands of ribbon. Lining the steps with festive decorations will get all the family excited as they come down on Christmas Day.
20. Give your wreath a bauble overhaul
Image credit: Future PLC/ Maxwell Attenborough
Instead of opting strictly for foliage this year, make a door wreath with baubles and large loops of luscious ribbon. Adding baubles gives it a contemporary twist. You’ll have all the neighbours talking and trying their hand at bauble bouquets next year.
Above is a wreath from our Christmas shoot, fashioned with fragrant herbs, pretty baubles and decorative dried flowers.
21. Shower your home with bauble droplets
Image credit: Future PLC
Cover your home in strings of cascading baubles and other tree decorations like these. Make them out of left over baubles or last year’s colour scheme and pin them in front of barren walls and windows for a sprinkling of Christmas spangle.
22. Deck the halls and more
Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Bevan
Cover any wall art you have (whether that be a unicorn head or a gallery of family photos!) with strings of baubles and reels of ribbon for an instant festive make over that doesn’t need a tree.
23. Place an alternative new table signature
Image credit: Future PLC/ Laura Edwards
Be inventive with your table name cards this year by detaching the ribbon from a bauble and slotting a name card through the loophole. Super easy and super chic, these place settings will go down a treat with your meal.
How will you be decorating with baubles this Christmas?
Yes, the Black Friday deals are here early for 2021, which means that you can score an incredible bargain now. Whether it’s a new appliance to replace a broken one, a mattress for a better night’s sleep or perhaps it’s a Christmas gift for someone special? Don’t miss our roundup of the top Black Friday home deals. Because the earlier you shop, the better… in our eyes. Plus, this way you’ll miss out on the madness and score an early bargain. What’s not to love about that?
Here are the very best Black Friday offers for 2021, as picked by Ideal Home experts. We’ve scoured everywhere from Amazon to AO, Robert Dyas plus more retailers to find the top offers on the market this week. Shop now before they sell out – or before the deals change.
Black Friday sales – quick links
Prefer to do your sale shopping on your own? Use these quick links below to jump straight to Amazon, Very or wherever else, to shop the sales now.
These are the best Black Friday deals to buy today, as chosen by the experts at Ideal Home.
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser | £105.95 £93,49 (save £16.69) at Amazon
Buy this for the chocolate fan in your life and they will never forget it. It makes the best hot chocolate you’ll ever taste at home, in two-and-a-half minutes. This set comes with a flavour kit including all the sachets you could wish for when picking your favourite. A great pick for gifting!
Echo Dot (3rd Gen) | £39.99 £18.99 (save £21) at Amazon A perfect Christmas present for Nan, for someone who loves their smart tech or for using in your home office. An Echo Dot can make your life easier by adding to your shopping list, telling you when someone is at your front door and even turning on your robot vacuum cleaner.
Amazon Beauty Advent Calendar 2021 | £70 £52 (save £18) at Amazon
Amazon’s beauty advent calendar, as we explain in our guide, is one of the best around for this year. Inside you’ll find products from brands such as Neal’s Yard, Real Techniques, Foreo and even Aussie and Faith in Nature.
TASSIMO by Bosch Style TAS1107GB Coffee Machine | £79.99 £29 (save £50.99) at Currys PC World
A bargain price to pay for a pod coffee machine, especially one that looks this good – it even comes in several colours. It’s compact to fit nicely on your kitchen worktop, plus it boasts auto shut-off for those mornings when you’re in a rush.
Our Place Always Pan | £125 £85 (save £40) at Our Place
There’s a lovely £40 off this incredible pan for Black Friday 2021 – and this is the first time we’ve ever seen it on sale. This bestseller can replace up to 8 pieces of cookware since it can be used for frying, boiling, steaming, braising and even serving at the table. Plus it comes in lots of gorgeous colours.
Blueair Blue Pure 221 Air Purifier | £349 £224 (save £125) at Amazon
The larger version of our beloved Blueair Blue Pure air purifier range is 36% off at Amazon today, saving you an amazing £125. The purifier is suitable for rooms up to 50m2, promising to remove everything from pollen and dust to mould and viruses.
Monaco Firepit | £39.99 £24.99 (save £15) at Robert Dyas
A cheap price to pay for a fire pit, this way you can enjoy your outside space even when the temperatures drop. Place it in the middle of your garden furniture and heat it up when guests come over. It even boasts a black finish and sits on three legs for a luxury look.
Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) | £49 18 (save 63%) at Currys
You can save an incredible 63% on the Google Nest Mini at Currys right now, meaning you can get this excellent Google smart speaker for less than £20! As the device is perfect for placing in multiple locations around the home, this could be the perfect opportunity to buy!
Flash Powermop Starter Kit | £32 £18.69 (save £13.31) at Amazon
With a lovely 42% off right now for Black Friday, this brilliant mop is a Mrs Hinch favourite for a reason. It’s battery-powered and works at the press of a button to distribute solution onto your floor, and the absorbing pads are great for lifting grease and grime. Just throw them in the bin once you’re done cleaning. A total of 10 pads come included in this kit, as well as 500ml of cleaning solution plus batteries.
BISSELL PowerFresh SlimSteam 2234E |£159.99 £99.99 (save £60) at Currys
The PowerFresh SlimSteam 2234E really impressed us with its thoughtfully designed tool carrier and nifty design, which works in a similar way to a vacuum cleaner.
These are the best early Black Friday mattress offers around right now – some brands have even released their Black Friday sales early for 2021. This is definitely the smartest time of year to invest in a new mattress, and these are the brands we suggest buying from.
Emma | up to 50% off for Black Friday 2021
Emma’s best Black Friday sale ever is now on, with up to 50% off everything on site. That’s right: you can score our best mattress from just £274.45. Don’t forget about accessories, too, and use this sale to buy a new pillow, duvet, bedding, mattress protector…
Simba | 50% off over £300+ for Black Friday 2021
Score a whopping 50% off in the Simba Black Friday sale, when you spend more than £300 on anything from a new mattress to some new bedding plus more. Both the Simba Hybrid Pro and the Simba Hybrid mattress are rated in our best 5 mattresses that you can buy. Mattress prices start from just £219.45.
Eve | up to 35% off mattresses + 20% off bed frames for Black Friday
Yes, you can get 35% off both the Eve Original foam and Eve Hybrid mattresses right now. This means that prices start from a low £194 for a cot bed mattress. What are you waiting for? The Eve Original is rated our best breathable mattress, plus the duvet is pretty great, too – and don’t get us started on the gorgeous bed frames.
Brook + Wilde | 40% off ALL mattresses £500+
Enjoy 40% off all mattresses sold at Brook & Wilde – so long as they are more than £500. We are big fans of the Ultima mattress after recently reviewing it, whilst their Lux mattress is a comfortable and slightly less expensive option.
OTTY mattresses | up to half price off for Black Friday 2021
There’s up to 50% off everything on site at OTTY for Black Friday this year. This makes for the perfect time to invest in a new mattress plus a new duvet, some pillows and even a mattress protector. This award-winning mattress brand even offers a 100-night trial when you buy direct.
Whether it’s one of the best sofas, a brand new bed frame or perhaps it’s new bedside tables that you want to buy this Black Friday? We say to do your shopping at the retailers below. This is where you can find early furniture deals on bedroom furniture, dining room buys and even living room furniture – including offers on the best sofa beds.
Amazon | SALE LIVE NOW
The internet giant’s early Black Friday sales have now started, with up to 40% off a whole host of products including selected furniture lines. Currently, there’s a focus on home office furniture and mattresses, but we expect more lines to be added each day.
Furniture123 | SALE NOW LIVE
The brand’s Black Friday sale is already live, with up to 50% off dining room and living room furniture and seating, up to 45% off bedroom furniture, up to 38% off kids bedroom furniture, and up to 62% off office furniture.
La Redoute | SALE NOW LIVE
One of our go-to destinations for on-trend and affordable homeware, La Redoute has a great contemporary furniture collection and even better sales, it’s Black Friday sale being no exception with up to 50% off EVERYTHING right now.
VonHaus | SALE NOW LIVE
Home to sleek media units, mid-Century inspired side tables, and contemporary seating, along with a whole lot more, online retailer VonHaus currently has up to 50% off furniture in its Black Friday sale.
Cox & Cox | SALE NOW LIVE
Although Cox and Cox’s official Black Friday sale hasn’t started yet, there is up to 50% offselected furniture, plus 20% off full-price buys with the code INTRONOVA.
Sourcing a new vacuum cleaner this Black Friday? Smart idea. We can help you bag the top vacuum for a cheaper price, so as to save you heaps of money on this must-have. Not sure which vacuum cleaner you want to buy? We’ve listed plenty of choices below, from the likes of Shark, Eufy and more, so that you can find the best option for you, whether you live in a 5-bed, a studio, or it’s a robot vacuum cleaner you want so that you don’t have to lift a finger.
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NZ801UKT] | £349.99 £179 (save £170.99) at Amazon
Save 49% off this Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NZ801UKT] when you shop on Amazon. It’s able to adapt into a portable vacuum for getting into stairs and the interior of cars, and the lift-away technology will leave your floors spotless.
Shark Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner [ICZ300UK] | £399 £278.99 (save £121) at Amazon
It’s the same as the ICZ300UKT, but without the pet attachment, so if you like the sound of the vacuum but aren’t fussed about the added pet attachment this is a top deal with a £121 discount. Shop the best cordless vacuum cleaners for Black Friday 2021
ECOVACS Robotics DEEBOT N79S Robot Vacuum Cleaner | £249 £129 (save £120) at Amazon
Robot vacuums can be a godsend for busy people or those who find it difficult to clean the entire house on a regular basis, and this one from ECOVACS is currently 48% cheaper, knocking the price down to less than £130. The vacuum will run for 100 minutes on a single charge, with four cleaning modes that will ensure it won’t bump into anything.
Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner (Single Battery) [WV200UK] | £129.99 £99 (save £30.99) at Shark
A kitchen essential, this handheld vac easily deals with crumbs and dry food spills on worktops and tables. It’s also perfect for picking up pet hair throughout your home. One drawback is the run-time. At just eight minutes a charge, you may need a cleaner that has longer battery life. The best handheld vacuums to buy this Black Friday
Another reason to shop the Black Friday sales? The kitchen deals are always incredible. By kitchen deals we mean offers on anything from the best toasters to air fryers, slow cookers, top kettles, coffee machines plus lots more. From top brands, too, including the likes of KitchenAid and Smeg. So, if the appliance you’ve been lusting after for a while is still a bit too expensive for your liking, then just wait for Black Friday. Here are the best early deals to bag now.
COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L with Recipes | £99.99 £79.99 (save £20) at Amazon
One of our top picks is now on sale this Black Friday, thanks to a £20 discount at Amazon. This is the black model, but it still is seriously high quality, especially for the price. Use it to make fries for the whole family.
Morphy Richards Verve Pour Over Filter Coffee Machine | £59.99 £42.99 (save £17) Amazon Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this chic white machine has a programmable timer so you can wake up to 12 cups of fresh coffee, and a reusable permanent cupcake filter to create a smoother flavour. See our best coffee machines guide for more great buys – as reviewed by us
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi-Cooker [OP500UK] | £229.99 £178.99 (save £51) at Amazon
This 9-in-1 appliance can do everything from pressure cook to air crisp, slow cook, steam, bake, roast and grill your food – plus more. It has a family-size capacity making it perfect for busy households, plus it works to do its job fast. It has dishwasher-friendly parts and also a Keep Warm function for when your timings are a bit off. Handy for cooking anything from roast potatoes to vegetables and joints of meat… See our best slow cookers guide if you want more suggestions
NINJA Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L Air Fryer AF300UK| £199 £179 (save £20) at Very
Those who are serious about air frying will love this dual-zone cooker from Ninja. It has two drawers that can be synchronised to cook in the same mode, or on different modes but with a simultaneous finish. See more of the best air fryers to buy this Black Friday
KITCHENAID Artisan 5KSM125BMH Stand Mixer| £499 £399 (save £100) at Currys
Currys is showing up early with the Black Friday savings, and we’re particularly impressed by this £100 discount on the KitchenAid Artisan in a classic milkshake shade. It’s hard enough to find the Artisan in stock once Black Friday gets started, so finding it with a £100 discount is pretty special. Check out our best stand mixers guide for more expert suggestions
This year’s Black Friday sale falls on Friday the 26th of November. Cyber Monday is on the 29th of November 2021. Mark your calendars.
What is Black Friday?
A tradition in the United States since the fifties, Black Friday is an epic sale day that sees shops slash their prices to encourage Christmas shopping. Asda and Amazon brought Black Friday to the UK in 2010 and other brands followed suit, but bunfights over bargains in some stores have led it to become mostly an online affair over here.
Black Friday 2021 – everything else you need to know
Are the bargains as good as they seem?
There are some great deals – last year we spotted cheap Nespresso machines, budget-friendly mattresses and a even Miele vacuum at less than half price. However, some retailers use Black Friday as an opportunity to clear out old stock, or even increase the prices of items beforehand to make the deals look better on the day.
How can I avoid being ripped off on Black Friday?
‘It’s easy to get carried away, so make a list of what you want in advance,’ advises Danny Munday, general manager of HotUKDeals. It also pays to read reviews and compare prices of the models you like, so you know you’re getting a genuine deal. ‘Check the shipping costs before you order, too,’ adds Danny. ‘Some brands charge so much for postage, it cancels out any savings.’
Will my Black Friday purchases arrive by Christmas?
It’s not guaranteed, so check the estimated delivery times and factor in a few extra days on top. Due to the number of people shopping at the same time, some parcels may take longer to arrive than usual.
How long have I got to get these promotions?
Some deals sell out in seconds, so be ready to make a quick decision and have your card details to hand.
Fingers crossed, you can grab yourself some bargains. Good luck!
